Consultations

We’re committed to a collaborative approach to transport planning, funding and development. It’s an approach that delivers integrated transport solutions that best meet the needs of New Zealanders. To achieve these results, we seek open and honest consultation across a range of activities with all our stakeholders, including road users, business, local government, communities and iwi.

Land transport rules

We undertake consultation on behalf of the Minister of Transport for the making of land transport rules. The Minister of Transport has a statutory responsibility under the Land Transport Act 1998 to notify the intention to make the rule and to consult with interested groups on the proposed rule.

We go beyond the minimum statutory requirements by maintaining a database of interested groups and individuals and undertaking extensive consultation on each rule. Submissions received on draft rules are summarised and analysed and the rule redrafted to take into account the submissions received. If necessary, we undertake further consultation with key groups before submitting a proposed rule to the government.

Policy – planning and management of land transport activities

We consult and communicate with relevant organisations and individuals whenever we substantively develop, enhance or review policy around the planning and management of land transport activities. These are activities that can be funded from the national land transport fund.

What we’re currently consulting on

Rail safety regulator funding reviewThe NZ Transport Agency, as rail safety regulator, is responsible for the implementation of the Railways Act 2005. The regulatory function is funded by third-party fees and levies set in the Railways Regulations 2008. The fees and levies set in 2008 were set below the revenue required for the regulator to break even and have remained at this rate. We are seeking input into how we can resolve the funding constraint.

This consultation proposes an option to meet the costs by amending the current fee and introducing a new variable safety levy for rail safety regulatory activity.

The NZ Transport Agency’s approach to assessing any potential conflicts of interest with regard to this process is set out in an operational policy. At the time the policy was created, some integration of the used vehicle supply chain was anticipated and taken into account, but not to the extent that has subsequently occurred.

This means that one business could potentially be responsible for some or all parts of the vehicle entry certification process.

All submissions must be received by no later than 5pm, Friday 30 November 2018.

Creation of no stopping areas on State Highway 1, Ōamaru [PDF, 877 KB] The NZ Transport Agency is proposing to create no stopping areas to improve safety at the following locations on State Highway 1, Ōamaru. The creation of the no stopping areas was considered following discussions with the council, NZ Police and New World. They are concerned about the safety and efficiency of the network.

Consultation closes on Monday 10 December 2018.

Important information about making a submission

Your submission will become publicly available information, so please indicate clearly if your comments are commercially sensitive or if there is some other reason they should not be disclosed. Any request for non-disclosure will be considered in terms of the Official Information Act 1982. Read the Official Information Act 1982(external link)

Past consultations

Woodend Corridor safety improvements consultationThe NZ Transport Agency invited people to have their say on improvements that could be made to the SH1 Woodend corridor to make it safer and more accessible. The Transport Agency was checking some initial feedback provided by the community in 2016. This consultation would assist in developing options to improve safety and accessibility on SH1 – from Woodend Beach Road to 100m north of the Pegasus roundabout – and side roads. Submissions closed on Friday 9 November 2018.

SH1 speed limit consultationThe NZ Transport Agency sought public input into proposals to set permanent new speed limits along sections of State Highway 1 both north and south of Kaikōura. Submisions closed on Friday 2 November 2018.

Traffic control devices manual part 5 The NZ Transport Agency consulted on the Traffic control devices manual part 5 – traffic control devices for general use – between intersections. Submission closed at 5pm on Friday, 14 September 2018.

SH60 speed limit consultation The NZ Transport Agency and Tasman District Council sought public input into proposals to lower speed limits along a section of State Highway 60 (SH60), from Three Brothers Roundabout to Maisey Road, and some adjoining local roads. Submission closed at 4.00pm, Saturday 28 August 2018.

Land Transport Rule: Regulatory Stewardship (Omnibus) Amendment 2018 The NZ Transport Agency consulted, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, on proposed changes to Land Transport Rules, set out in Land Transport Rule: Regulatory Stewardship (Omnibus) Amendment 2018. Consultation on the proposed changes carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the Rule development process took account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed Rule changes. The issues raised during consultation would be analysed and taken into account in preparing final draft amendment Rules for the Minister of Transport's consideration. Submissions closed on Friday 24 August 2018.

Heavy Vehicle Entry Certification proposal The NZ Transport Agency sought feedback on the proposed recommendations for improvement within the Heavy Vehicle Entry Certification system. Feedback sought was to ensure the proposed recommendations are representative of the concerns of both industry and the Transport Agency, and form a basis of the future work programme. Submissions closed on Monday, 20 August 2018.

SH88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers shared path and safety improvements The SH88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers safety improvements project would see the final section of the Dunedin to Port Chalmers shared path constructed, giving cyclists and pedestrians a safe way to travel away from traffic. Feedback closed 5pm, Friday 29 June 2018.

Melling transport improvementsThe NZ Transport Agency, Hutt City Council (HCC) and the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) sought feedback on three options for a new Melling interchange and for how a new bridge should connect into Hutt City as part of the RiverLink(external link) project. Submissions closed on Sunday, 10 June 2018.

SH58 speed reduction consultationThe NZ Transport Agency and Porirua City Council sought feedback on its proposal to lower the speed limit of roads connecting to this section of SH58 to 60km/h. The Transport Agency worked with the Upper Hutt City Council and the Hutt City Council to determine safe speeds for the remaining roads that connect to this section of SH58. Submissions closed on Friday, 20 April 2018.

SH3 Waitara to Bell BlockThe NZ Transport Agency is looking at ways to make State Highway 3 between Waitara and Bell Block safer and keep traffic flowing. Community information days will be held on 6 and 7 December and an interactive online feedback form is available for the community to provide their comments on the proposed improvements. Submissions closed at 5pm on Wednesday 7 February 2018.

SH6 Frankton bus lane [PDF, 1.1 MB] The NZ Transport Agency is proposing to create a bus priority lane on the eastern side of State Highway 6, Frankton from Grey Street to the southern entrance of the weigh pit. A bus priority lane was considered following discussions with the Queenstown Lakes Council (QLDC), Otago Regional Council and Queenstown Airport Corporation. They are concerned about the efficiency of the bus network when new and expanded services are introduced soon. Download the notice [PDF, 1.1 MB] for more information on how you can provide feedback. Submissions closed on Tuesday 14 November 2017.

SH44 Moturoa safety improvementsThe NZ Transport Agency is investigating options for minor safety improvements on State Highway 44 (SH44) at the Moturoa Shops. A community information day will be held on Friday, 6 October 2017 at Revival Hall, corner of Bayly Road and Breakwater Road, Moturoa from 9.00am–4.00pm where you can provide feedback on the options. Submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday 1 November 2017.

110km/h speed management consultationThe NZ Transport Agency is consulting on increasing the speed limit to 110km/h on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (SH2), between the Paengaroa roundabout and Domain Road interchange, and the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway (SH1), between the Cambridge Southern and Tamahere interchanges. Submissions closed on Thursday 26 October 2017.

SH3 Manawatū Gorge alternative route consultationThe NZ Transport Agency is consulting on the short list of options for the Manawatū Gorge alternative route. The Gorge has been closed since slips caused damage on 24 April 2017. Continued instability at the slip sites has resulted in the indefinite closure of the road with safety of all road users our number one priority. The short list will be reviewed to identify a preferred corridor by mid-December 2017. The consultation closed on Wednesday 25 October 2017.

Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) for transport business cases guidance The current draft MCA guidance has been withdrawn early from consultation. Due to the feedback received to date, the intent is to rescope this guidance to ensure it reflects the Transport Agency’s new operating model and strategic direction, and to ensure it provides best 'fit for purpose' to our internal and external stakeholders. Consultation withdrawn on 7 September 2017.

Auckland electric vehicles – Phase 2 trial Bylaw 2017 The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on a proposal to allow electric vehicles access to specified special vehicles lanes on state highways in Auckland. This work supports the Government’s package to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand to 64,000 by the end of 2021, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Submissions closed on Thursday 3 August 2017.

Proposal to remove parking from SH6 in Frankton near Queenstown In May 2017, the NZ Transport Agency consulted on a proposal to remove all parking on SH6 in Frankton between the Lower Shotover Bridge and Kawarau Falls Bridge following requests from the Queenstown Lakes Council (QLDC) and Queenstown Airport Company.They were concerned about a potential safety risk from parked vehicles on what is a busy highway. Both organizations also believe parked vehicles along SH6 on Kawarau Road between the BP roundabout and Kawarau Falls Bridge, does not create a positive impression of Queenstown for visitors.The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Queenstown Airport Company (QAC) and the NZ Transport Agency are working together to deal with these issues. Providing viable parking alternatives is seen as crucial to successfully managing this situation. Feedback closed on 9 June 2017 and the submission summary [PDF, 608 KB] is now available for viewing.

Setting of Speed Limits Rule [2017] The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on the (yellow) draft of Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits [2017] which determines how speed limits are set in New Zealand. The consultation closed 5pm, Friday 16 June 2017.

Draft Traffic Control Devices BylawThe NZ Transport Agency is consulting on a draft bylaw that will consolidate all traffic controls that apply to State highways into a single bylaw. The consultation closed on Monday 8 May 2017.

Auckland Electric Vehicles Trial BylawThe NZ Transport Agency is looking at the viability of allowing electric vehicles access to special vehicle lanes on the State highway network. This work supports the Government’s package to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consulation is now closed.

Land Transport Rule: Small Passenger Services Reform 2017Your comments are sought on proposed changes to the regulatory framework for small passenger services. These are summarised in the public consultation (yellow) drafts of the Land Transport Rule: Operator Licensing (2017), Land Transport Rule: Work Time and Logbooks Amendment (2017) and Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule (2017). Consulation closed Friday 18 November 2016. Please refer to Land Transport Rules: Small Passenger Services Reform 2017 which contains the latest information about the changes that came into effect on 1 Ocotber 2017.

Tailoring the low volume vehicle certification process to riskThe NZ Transport Agency would appreciate your feedback on a proposed change to the Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certification process, which will apply to commercial vehicle modifiers who carry out the same modifications to a number of vehicles. Submissions closed 5pm, Friday 30 September 2016.

Consultation on the proposed changes is being carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the Rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed Rule changes.

The issues that are raised during consultation will be analysed and taken into account in preparing the proposed changes for the Minister of Transport's consideration. Submissions closed 5pm, Friday 12 August 2016.

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass (2016) The Transport Agency has released this proposed Rule for public consultation. The proposed Rule is designed to deliver productivity improvements, greater regulatory efficiency and reduced compliance costs without compromising the road transport system and road user safety outcomes.

If you wish to comment on this draft Rule, please see the page headed ‘Making a submission’. Submissions closed at 5pm, Friday 12 August 2016.

Land Transport Rule Dangerous Goods Amendment 2016 The proposed amendment Rule will require drivers or operators of vehicles carrying dangerous goods to comply with any sign that indicates a restriction or prohibition on the transport of dangerous goods on a specified section of road.

If you wish to comment on this draft Rule, please see the page headed ‘Making a submission’. Submissions closed 5pm, Monday 20 June 2016.

Draft State highway public engagement guidelines The Transport Agency has released this draft State Highway Public Engagement Guidelines for public consultation. This guide sets out the requirements for public engagement that meets the Transport Agency’s commitment to social responsibility and the requirements of statutory approval processes under the Resource Management Act. Submissions closed on Friday 29 April 2016.

Engagement on the development of a SuperGold Bulk Funding Allocation MethodologyOn 8 June 2015, Government agreed that from 1 July 2016 the funding model for the SuperGold scheme will change from a demand driven fare reimbursement model to a capped bulk funding model.The Transport Agency has been tasked with developing, in collaboration with regional councils, a principles-based approach to the annual allocation of bulk funding to regional councils in time for the 2016/17 financial year.The Ministry of Transport will carry out a review of the effectiveness of the bulk funding model in 2018/19.The Transport Agency is seeking feedback from regional councils and other affected stakeholders on the preferred option which is discussed in the engagement document. The engagement document also summarises the other options that were explored in the development of the preferred option. The engagement period closed on 29 February 2016. Please send feedback to sarah.downs@nzta.govt.nz.

Guide to assessing social impacts for state highway projects The Transport Agency has released this draft Guide to assessing social impacts for state highway projects for public consultation. This guide sets out the requirements for assessment that meets the Transport Agency’s commitment to social responsibility and the requirements of statutory approval processes under the Resource Management Act.

Please send feedback to environment@nzta.govt.nz. The feedback period close don Monday 29 January 2016, after which the final document will be prepared and released.

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment (2016)The Transport Agency has released this proposed amendment Rule, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, for public consultation. The aim of this proposed amendment Rule is to allow road controlling authorities to issue permits for higher axle loading on all buses. A previous amendment to this rule (which came into effect on 1 October 2015) introduced permits for higher axle masses, but only for high-capacity buses (double-deckers) used on urban public transport routes. Consultation closed on 21 December 2015.

Specification for Traffic signalsThe Signal New Zealand User Group (SNUG) and The Transport Agency has developed guidelines to assist traffic signal asset owners, design consultants and suppliers capture the maximum benefits from the newer technologies available, and to provide a best practice guideline. Submissions closed Monday 26 October 2015.

Consultation on the proposed changes is being carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the Rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed Rule changes.

The issues that are raised during consultation will be analysed and taken into account in preparing the proposed changes for the Minister of Transport's consideration. Submissions closed Friday 10 July 2015.

State Highway 3, Awakino Gorge to Mt Messenger corridorAs part of the government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package, the New Zealand Transport Agency investigated improvements to the section of State Highway 3 between Awakino Gorge and Mt Messenger. We sought public feedback on the current route and submissions on this project have now closed (Monday 13 April 2015). We received 251 responses to the survey from a range of submitters, including council, interest groups, and members of the public, and are currently collating the feedback.

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2015The NZ Transport Agency consulted, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, on proposed changes to Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002. Consultation on the proposed changes was carried out to ensure that legislation is sound and robust and that the rules development process takes account of the views of, and the impact on, people affected by proposed rule changes. Submissions closed on Thursday 2 April 2015.

State highway safe network activity manualThe State highway safe network activity manual provides advice and best practice guidance to network safety managers and road safety practitioners working on New Zealand roads in terms of road safety and replaces the Transit state highway safety management system manual, edition 4, March 2007. Submissions closed on Friday 27 February 2015.

Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2014Comments were sought on proposed rule changes that introduce time limits for learner and restricted licence holders, more flexibility around transactions and changes to evidence of identity requirements. Submissions closed on 28 May 2014.

Funding assistance rates (FAR) review options discussion documentThe Transport Agency invited feedback on the second stage of the funding assistance rates review into how to appropriately share the costs of building, operating and maintaining the land transport network across regions and the country between local government and the National Land Transport Fund. Submissions closed 28 March 2014.